Melted snowfall is coming down from the mountains, making the Fraser River more treacherous for local fishers, campers and outdoor lovers who visit its banks.
The Fraser Valley Illegal Dumping Alliance and Fraser Valley Salmon Society are reminding people that rapidly rising waters can make previously stable river banks and gravel bars unstable.
Anyone who ventures out to the river’s edge is asked to be extra safe during high water periods to protect themselves, their friends and family, and the environment.
Anyone who is out in a boat should wear a legal life-jacket or personal flotation device, and those trying to cross shallow sections of the river in any type of vehicle should be extra cautious.
“Attempting shallow crossings in vehicles can result in stranded occupants who require rescue, and stranded vehicles are often irreparably damaged,” a release from the FVIDA and FVSS reads. “Submerged vehicles can leak toxic oils and liquids that pollute sensitive salmon and white sturgeon habitat.
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“In addition, driving vehicles through shallow foreshore waters will destroy vulnerable spawning beds in this area, which further threatens the survival of salmon stocks that already face a number of challenges.”
The release notes that camping is not permitted in some areas, such as the Gill Road access area. Low-lying areas can quickly become inundated with water, and personal property can be lost or damaged.
The two groups are urging outdoor enthusiasts to be good environmental stewards, leaving no waste behind while being careful to not disturb soils and vegetation in riparian zones.
“Definitely do not dump and burn garbage, pallets and vehicles at the river or other remote areas,” their release states. “Please dispose of garbage and organic wastes at legal waste depots, for instance at Bailey’s Landfill, Parr Road Green Depot, bottle depots or other sites.”
The annual Gill Road Fraser River Cleanup, which has been held each year since 2007, was cancelled in March due to COVID-19.
More than 700 volunteers have collected an estimated 130 tonnes of trash in that area alone.
Without that effort, Chris Gadsden says it’s even more important for everyone to think about what they’re doing.
“We can still do our part, by not leaving our garbage behind and getting rid of our waste responsibly at local landfills and recycling depots,” said Gadsden, one of the founders of the FVSS and a FVIDA volunteer. “Let’s keep Mother Nature looking good.”
If you see any wildlife or environmental offences in freshwater areas, please call British Columbia’s RAPP
line (Report all poachers and polluters), toll free at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277), or online at forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/
For violations related to salmon, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336 or local RCMP.
Report abandoned waste materials in the City of Chilliwack to bylaw enforcement at 604-793-2908.
Dean Werk, cell: 604-991-3474, info@greatriverfishing.com
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